AN EVENING WITH STEPHEN SCHWARTZ Coming to Toronto This May

"An evening with Stephen Schwartz," presented by the Candian Musical Theatre Writers Collective, in association with ASCAP, is set for Sunday, May 7 at 7:30PM at The Panasonic Theatre (651 Yonge St.).

Tickets: $29 to $99. V.I.P. Tickets ($175): Includes Meet and Greet with Stephen Schwartz. Available online at www.mirvish.com and by phone at (416) 872-1212.

Take part in this once in a lifetime opportunity to experience an intimate evening of music and Broadway memories with Stephen Schwartz, the Tony, Oscar, and Grammy Award-winning composer/lyricist of the classic musicals Wicked, Pippin, and Godspell, the Walt Disney films The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Enchanted, and Pocahontas, and the DreamWorks film The Prince of Egypt.

The evening will feature Mr. Schwartz in an onstage conversation with ASCAP's Director of Musical Theater, Michael Kerker. The discussion will explore the legendary career of one the world's most cherished theatre artists. Mr. Schwartz will also take to the piano to perform songs from his vast catalogue of award-winning work.

Joining Mr. Schwartz onstage will be an all-star cast of Canadian talent to celebrate his music. Performers include:

· Chilina Kennedy (Beautiful, Jesus Christ Superstar)

· Cynthia Dale (Star of Stratford and Dora Award winner)

· Danielle Wade (Winner CBC's Over The Rainbow)

· Charlotte Moore (Dora Award winner, The Wizard of Oz)

· Jahlen Barnes (Passing Strange, Banks Prize Winner)

· Students from Sheridan College

Mr. Schwartz's visit to Toronto also includes two other special unique events that will help celebrate and develop Canadian musical theatre artists.

On Saturday, May 6, Mr. Schwartz will lead the first ever Canadian edition of the ASCAP Workshop. Two new Canadian musicals will present excerpts in workshop format for Mr. Schwartz and a panel of Broadway writers that includes Joe DiPietro (Memphis, Nice Work if You Can Get It) and Canada's own Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone, Elf).

The workshop will occur at the Randolph Theatre (736 Bathurst St.) from 1-6PM. The workshop is open to CMTWC members and professionals in the theatre industry. Those wishing to attend should email office@cmtwc.com.

The two selected musicals for the ASCAP Workshop are:

RUMSPRINGA BREAK! An Am-ish Musical

Book by Matt Murray

Music by Colleen Dauncey

Lyrics by Akiva Romer-Segal

When Amish twins Hannah and Ruth leave the comfort of their strict, sheltered community to explore the outside world for the first time, things don't go as planned. Desperate, penniless, and stranded in the big city's roughest neighbourhood, the naïve sisters must rely on their faith, the outlandish locals, and each other to survive.

THE JOURNEY THAT SAVED CURIOUS GEORGE

Book by Jen Shuber

Music and Lyrics by Nicky Phillips

Based on the book The Journey That Saved Curious George: The True Wartime?Escape of Margret and H.A. Rey by Louise Borden

Curious George, the beloved monkey is famous for his narrow escape from danger in his well-known stories. What is not well known is that Margret and H.A. Rey, the writers of Curious George, narrowly escaped danger themselves when they had to flee Paris in 1940. The Reys, both Jewish, managed to escape with the Curious George manuscript moments before the Nazi's occupied the city. This is the story of how two immigrants came to America and contributed to the fabric of American culture. Against all odds, this husband and wife team were determined to get to safety while protecting their life's work and as a result brought a little monkey to millions of children for years to come.

In addition to the ASCAP Workshop, Mr. Schwartz will also conduct a master class in musical theatre performance with students from Sheridan College.

A special VIP donors package is available, offering a weekend of exclusive experiences. These include: a private dinner with Stephen Schwartz, premium seats to the concert, access to the ASCAP Workshop, and special recognition in the program. Interested donors and sponsors can contact office@cmtwc.com for more information.

Founded by Landon Braverman & Joseph Trefler, The Canadian Musical Theatre Writers Collective is the largest organization devoted to supporting and promoting the work of Canadian musical theatre writers. The collective has over two hundred members and includes composers, lyricists, and librettists from across Canada and abroad. Current initiatives includes the Writers Workshop, taught by renowned composer-lyricist Leslie Arden, and the sold-out global concert series Blame Canada!, featured in The Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail, and Playbill. For more information, visit www.cmtwc.com.

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